Introduction

All simple machines have a Mechanical Advantage, which can be calculated from the ratio of input distance to output distance. For a lever, we saw that these distances can be determined by measuring from the fulcrum to the handle, and from the fulcrum to the jaws. Other machines have different measurement strategies, which you will learn in this exercise.

Activity

You will be given a Whee/Axle, Wedge, and Screw, in order to find and compare their mechanical advantages. You will also be given a metric ruler and a string to allow measurement of straight or curved distances. Repeat each measurement three times, and average the results.

Analysis

Complete this document and submit for credit.

Reference Materials:

Click the pictures to access detailed info, including how to measure distances and calculate MA!

Lever

Wheel/Axle

MyBigCampus Schoolwork

Students were given three simple machines (wheel/axle, screw, wedge), and were asked to make three measurements of each input and output distance. They then divided input distance by output distance to find the mechanical advantage of each. The assignment was submitted on paper.

1. Task - Maximum Points: 2
Mark this when you have finished the task.